Apparatus and methods for providing stability for heeled shoes

ABSTRACT

Apparatus and methods for providing enhanced stability to the wearer of a heeled shoe. In one embodiment, the apparatus enables individuals to walk on soft or uneven surfaces while wearing heeled shoes with increased stability. The stability apparatus is composed of a substantially planar plastic body having one or more means to permit affixing the apparatus to the bottom of a heeled shoe. The bottom surface of the apparatus may be further adapted to provide additional support by comprising a material which provides traction. The apparatus is in one embodiment minimally visible from most angles which a third party would view the shoe to which it is attached. This may be further facilitated by forming the apparatus out of a transparent material.

PRIORITY

This application claims priority to commonly owned U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application Ser. No. 61/563,286 of the same title filed on Nov.23, 2011, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

COPYRIGHT

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains materialthat is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has noobjection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent documentor the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and TrademarkOffice patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrightrights whatsoever.

BACKGROUND

1. Technological Field

The present disclosure relates generally to a shoe apparatus and relatedmethods of manufacturing and use. In one exemplary aspect, thedisclosure relates to an apparatus for providing increased stability ofheeled or high-heeled shoes.

2. Description of Related Technology

It is often considered fashionable to wear heeled shoes. For example,formal attire, business casual, and even some casual looks are madecomplete by the addition of heeled shoes. Although higher heels (such ashigh-heeled shoes, platform or stacked heels, stilettos, etc.) arereserved generally for women's looks, it is appreciated that heeledshoes may be worn by both sexes.

In many situations, it is not feasible to wear heeled shoes. The surfaceon which the wearer must walk or stand, for example, may be less thansuitable for the altered center of mass, and other kinematics associatedwith wearing heeled shoes. For instance, when the wearer is walking orstanding on a soft surface (such as turf, grass, sand, etc.) in heeledshoes, it is common for the heel portion to sink into the surface. Thisis especially true as the surface area of the bottom (contact) surfaceof the heel decreases, as is typical in many heeled women's shoes.Additionally, when the wearer of heeled shoes attempts to walk or standon an uneven surface (such as an unfinished pavement, gravel,cobblestone, etc.), the heel often catches, rocks, or is otherwiseunsteady. These events may cause the wearer to lose balance, trip,strain muscles, sprain an ankle, fall, etc. Moreover, walking overgrates such as on city sidewalks can result in the heel getting caughtwithin the grate, thereby either causing the wearer to stumble or fall,or breaking the heel off the shoe. However, fashion often dictates a useof heeled shoes in these less than ideal walking/standing situations.

Various technologies have been developed for assisting a wearer ofheeled shoes in walking and/or standing on soft or unsteady terrain.Many of these technologies focus on expanding the surface area of theheeled portion of the shoe, as illustrated by the exemplary prior artdevice 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 and discussed in e.g., U.S. Pat. No.5,311,675 to Topel. As shown, the prior art inventions generally providea cap member 100 readily mounted and removed relative to a heel portionof a heeled shoe, so as to provide for enhanced support to theindividual when traversing uneven or soft terrain. By increasing thesurface area of the heel portion (such as with the prior art device100), the entire weight of the wearer is distributed across a largerarea. Distribution of the weight causes the entire heel to be morestable, and less pressure to be applied to any one point on the heel.Thus, the likelihood of the heel sinking into soft ground, gettingcaught in a grating, etc. is decreased. Additionally, the increasedsurface area of the heel portion of the shoe increases the overallstability of the shoe for traversing uneven ground. For example, theheel is less likely to fall into small cracks or holes. However, theforegoing approach often fails to fully protect the heel from sinking orpiercing into a soft surface. That is, the prior art solution merelyprovides some improvement, but not a completely effective solution.

Other prior art approaches seek to add additional stability byincreasing the resistance of the shoe to sliding or slipping. Asillustrated in FIG. 2, one or more ground engaging surfaces 200 made ofresilient material are placed at e.g., the ball portion of the shoe. Thesurface 200 provides a non-slip surface which engages the ground andenhances stability during walking/standing. The foregoing approach maybe used to provide added traction in instances where thewalking/standing surface is wet, angled, or otherwise unsafe. However,the foregoing approach is not useful in protecting the wearer from theheel portion of the shoe being caught in a crack or hole (of an unevensurface), and/or from piercing or sinking into a soft surface.

For the reasons stated above, and for other reasons stated below whichwill become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading andunderstanding the present specification, there is a need in the art foran improved apparatus and methods for providing stability to the wearerof a heeled shoe. Ideally, such improved apparatus and methods wouldprovide constant and enhanced support despite the surface on which thewearer is walking or standing. Additionally, the improved apparatuswould be minimally noticeable to third parties viewing the shoe ifdesired.

SUMMARY

The aforementioned needs are satisfied herein by providing, inter alia,apparatus and methods for enhanced stability of a heeled shoe.

In a first aspect, an apparatus for providing enhanced stability to aheeled shoe is disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises asubstantially planar plastic body having at least one feature forattachment to the heeled shoe and providing a substantially even surfacefor walking. The apparatus may be removably attached to the shoe via atleast one adhesive patch or other such mechanism.

The exemplary embodiment of the apparatus provides enhanced stability byincreasing the surface area of the bottom of the shoe and causing weightof the wearer to be evenly distributed across the apparatus.Additionally, the apparatus is minimally visible from most angles to athird party observer.

In yet another variant, the apparatus may be configured to utilize atraction-producing surface for interfacing with the ground.

In another embodiment, the apparatus comprises an attachment for highheeled shoes. In one variant the apparatus comprises a plastic body(e.g., substantially oval or other useful shape) having at least a firstportion for attachment to the heel of the shoe, and a second portion forattachment to the toe box of the shoe. The portion for attachment to theheel may comprise a minimally visible adhesive patch for example.Alternatively, the attachment to the heel may comprise an aperturewithin the body of the apparatus for receiving a tip of the heel.

In yet another variant, the portion for attachment to the heel maycomprise a receptacle extending upward from the body of the apparatusfor receiving a portion of the heel.

In still another variant, the heel receiving portion may comprise a wallextending upward from the body of the apparatus to interface with thebottom portions of the high heel. The walled embodiment converts thehigh heel to a so-called wedged heel.

In another embodiment, the stability apparatus is constructed fromlow-cost materials and made disposable (e.g., limited or even singleuse).

In yet another embodiment, the bottom (contact) surfaces of theapparatus are fitted with a replaceable contact sheet so that a scuffedor worn sheet can be removed and replaced without replacing the entireapparatus.

Corresponding methods for manufacturing and using the herein-describedapparatus are also given.

These and other aspects and features shall become apparent whenconsidered in light of the disclosure provided herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary prior art devicefor providing stability to heeled shoes.

FIG. 2 is a bottom elevational view illustrating a second exemplaryprior art device for providing stability to heeled shoes.

FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view illustrating an exemplary apparatusfor providing stability to heeled shoes according to the presentdisclosure.

FIGS. 3 a-3 d illustrate various alternative embodiments of thestability apparatus of FIG. 3.

FIG. 4 is a bottom exploded view of a heeled shoe with stabilityapparatus, showing placement of the stability apparatus thereon.

FIGS. 5 and 5 a illustrate respective front quarter and rear quarterviews of the placement of an exemplary apparatus on a typical heeledshoe.

FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view illustrating another exemplaryapparatus for providing stability to heeled shoes according to thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 6 a is a front quarter perspective view of the exemplary apparatusof FIG. 6 disposed on a heeled shoe.

FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view illustrating yet another exemplaryapparatus for providing stability to heeled shoes according to thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 7 a is a front quarter perspective view of the exemplary apparatusof FIG. 7 disposed on a heeled shoe.

FIG. 8 is a side perspective view illustrating another exemplaryapparatus for providing stability to heeled shoes according to thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 8 a is a side perspective view of the exemplary apparatus of FIG. 8disposed on a heeled shoe.

All Figures© Copyright 2011-2012 Sheryl White. All rights reserved.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference is now made to the drawings wherein like numerals refer tolike parts throughout.

As used herein, the term “heeled shoe” refers generally to footwearwhich raises the heel of the wearer's foot higher than the wearer's toesincluding, inter alia, platform heels, stacked heels, low heels, midheels, stiletto heels, pumps (court shoe), block heels, tapered heels,blade heels, wedge heels, boots (including cowboy boots), cuban heels,whether worn by men or women.

As used herein, the term “adhesive” refers generally and withoutlimitation to an adhesive or glue or bonding agent which adheres orbonds items together permanently or non-permanently (i.e., detachably).Adhesives discussed herein may come from either natural or syntheticsources.

As used herein, the term “plastic” refers generally and withoutlimitation to any material formed of synthetic or semi-synthetic organicsolids. Plastics may include polymers of high molecular mass, and/ormonomers comprising either natural or synthetic organic compounds.

OVERVIEW

In one salient aspect, apparatus for providing enhanced stability to thewearer of a heeled shoe are disclosed herein. The apparatus discussedherein enables individuals to walk on soft surfaces (such as grasslawns, sand, soil, snow, etc.) or uneven surfaces (such as cobblestone,gravel, pavement, etc.) while wearing heeled shoes (such as high heels).Stability is provided by inter alia, increasing the surface area of thebottom of the heeled shoe and more evenly distributing the weight of thewearer. In an exemplary embodiment, the stability apparatus is composedof a substantially oval plastic body. The apparatus is affixed to theshoe via one or more adhesive portions thereof, or alternatively byreceiving the bottom portion of the shoe in a frictional mechanism(e.g., “cup”). The bottom surface of the apparatus (which is in contactwith the ground) may be further adapted to provide additional support byat least partially comprising a material which provides traction, suchas a grid, abrasive surface, rubber layer, etc.

The apparatus is, in one advantageous embodiment, minimally visible frommost angles which a third party would view the shoe to which it isattached. This may be further facilitated by forming the apparatus outof a transparent material.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Exemplary embodiments of the apparatus and methods of the presentdisclosure are now described in detail. While these exemplaryembodiments are described in the context of the aforementioned highheeled shoe, it is appreciated that the various features of thedisclosure may be used with other types of shoes, whether mid-heel,low-heel, boots, men's shoes, etc., the following therefore being merelyexemplary in nature.

It will also be appreciated that while described generally in thecontext of a wearer walking on soft ground or snow, the various featuresof the present disclosure may be readily adapted to or utilized in othertypes of environments (e.g., environments with uneven surfaces forwalking/standing) as well.

Additionally, although discussed herein with respect to a givensize/shape, it is appreciated that all of the embodiments discussedherein may be used with any of the sizes and shapes of apparatus(whether discussed herein, or an obvious variant thereof) with equalsuccess.

Other features and advantages of the present disclosure will immediatelybe recognized by persons of ordinary skill in the art with reference tothe attached drawings and detailed description of exemplary embodimentsas given below.

Exemplary Apparatus

Referring now to FIG. 3, an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus 300 forproviding enhanced stability to a heeled shoe according to the presentdisclosure is illustrated. Stability is provided by inter alia,increasing the surface area of the bottom of the heeled shoe, and/ormore evenly distributing the weight of the wearer. The stabilityapparatus 300 enables individuals to walk on soft surfaces or unevensurfaces (such as grass lawns) while wearing heeled shoes (such as highheels) without sinking into the surface, tripping, or otherwise beingcaused to walk abnormally (e.g., on the balls of their feet only).

In an exemplary embodiment, the stability apparatus 300 is composed of aplastic body which is shaped as desired (e.g., generally oval-shaped).However, as will be discussed in greater detail below (see e.g., FIGS. 3a-3 d), alternative embodiments may use alternative shapes. The plasticbody of the apparatus 300 may be of a thickness so as to providestability without substantially impacting the overall height and balanceof the shoe. It is appreciated that a minimum thickness of the device isdesired; however, any useful thickness may be utilized consistent withthe present disclosure.

Additionally, the stability apparatus 300 is formed of a clear materialin one exemplary embodiment. By using a clear material and a minimumthickness, the overall look of the shoe is not significantly alteredwhen the apparatus is placed on the shoe. That is, a casual observerwill not immediately notice the presence of the apparatus 300 on theshoe when worn, other than in that the apparatus 300 flattens grass orother soft surface in the area between the toe box and heel of a heeledshoe. This effect can also be mitigated by reducing the width of theapparatus in this region if desired. Alternatively, the apparatus 300may be of one or more other colors, so as to match or complement theshoe to which it will be attached, for example.

The apparatus 300 in the illustrated embodiment is affixed to the shoevia one or more adhesive portions thereof 302, 304. As shown, anadhesive surface is disposed on the surface 301 of the apparatus 300which will come into contact with the bottom of the shoe (notillustrated). A paper, wax, or thin plastic backing (not shown) maycover the adhesive portion when not in use; it is then removed and theadhesive aligned to the bottom of the shoe to affix the apparatus 300thereto. In the illustrated embodiment, a first adhesive portion 302 isconfigured to align to the portion of the shoe which would ordinarily bein contact with the ground at the ball portion or toe box of the shoe(i.e., the front portion of the shoe containing the wearer's toes).Additionally, a second adhesive portion 304 is disposed at the portionof the shoe which would ordinarily be in contact with the ground at theheel portion of the shoe. The relative sizes of the two portions of theshoe which come into contact with the ground (the toe box and heelportions) may necessitate two different sized adhesive portions 302,304. However, it is appreciated that alternatively sized portions and/oralternative placement with respect to the overall apparatus 300 may benecessitated depending on the shoe to which the apparatus 300 is to beattached.

As noted above, the adhesive portions 302, 304 may be comprised of anyof various types of adhesive materials well known to those of ordinaryskill in the adhesive arts. Thus, by selection of appropriate adhesivematerials, the apparatus 300 may be permanently or non-permanentlyaffixed to the shoe as desired. For example, stronger adhesives such ase.g., cyanoacrylate or other glues may cause the apparatus 300 to bepermanently attached to a shoe. Selection of a non-permanent adhesiveenables the apparatus 300 to be detachable from the shoe and, in somecases, re-useable. Reusability may further be implemented by enabling awearer to freshly apply an adhesive at each instance of wear. It isappreciated that the adhesive is selected to ensure that the shoe is notin any way damaged by use of the apparatus 300 in the instance theapparatus 300 is non-permanently attached thereto.

In an alternative embodiment, other fasteners may be utilized todetachably affix the shoe to the apparatus 300. For example, magnets maybe affixed to the shoe and utilized on the body of the apparatus 300.Alternatively, interference, press, or friction fit mechanisms may beutilized on the apparatus 300 to affix the device 300 to the shoe. Asyet another alternative, one or more suction cups may be used (e.g., thecups being permanently mounted to the apparatus 300, and removablyadhered to the sole of the shoe during use, such as by minimally wettingthe cups with water).

The stability apparatus 300 may be formed to have a desired degree offlexibility. This enables the apparatus to flex as the user walks, andtheir foot (and to some degree the shoe) articulates. Were the apparatus300 completely rigid, the user might repeatedly have the heel of theshoe come loose or slip off their heel as the foot naturally flexesduring walking. The desired degree of flexibility can be achieved byselecting the type of material used (e.g., the rigidity or hardness ofthe plastic), its thickness, and/or its shape. In one variant, theapparatus is shaped with wider areas at the heel and ball regions, yet anarrower width between the two (i.e., under the arch, where the footnaturally flexes). The apparatus may even be provided a mechanical jointor hinge so as to articulate the heel and ball (front) portions relativeto one another, although esthetically this may be less desirable.

As yet another option, only one of the front (ball) portion or rear(heel) portion of the apparatus 300 may be attached to the shoe, whilethe other is left in effect “free floating” so that when the user's foot(and hence the shoe) bends during walking, the apparatus 300 does notitself bend significantly, or bends yet slides so as to relieve bendingand longitudinal stress placed thereon.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 a-3 d, various additional embodiments of thestabilizing apparatus 300 are given. As illustrated in FIG. 3 a, forexample, in one embodiment the apparatus may be shaped to more closelyduplicate the overall shape of a high heeled shoe. That is, the sectionof the apparatus 310 disposed between the heel and toe box is tapered toa smaller profile shape than the apparatus of FIG. 3. Similar to theembodiment, discussed above, the illustrated apparatus 310 comprisesboth toe 312 and heel 314 adhesive portions. The embodiment of FIG. 3 aprovides the wearer with the same protection against soft or unevensurfaces by increasing the surface area of the bottom of the heeled shoeand more evenly distributing the weight of the wearer, while preferablyhaving a smaller visual appearance.

The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3 b provides similar advancements asthat of FIG. 3 a. Additionally, the shape illustrated by the apparatus320 of FIG. 3 b is triangular at the heel adhesive portion 324 in orderto accommodate different shaped heel portions, such as shoes havingtapered heels. However it is appreciated that any size or shape heelportion may be utilized with the present disclosure. Further, theembodiment of FIG. 3 b provides an increased area of adhesive at theball of the foot 322 and/or decreased overall size of the apparatus nearthis portion. In other words, the embodiment of FIG. 3 b is configuredto provide a maximum amount of connection between the apparatus and theshoe at the ball portion 322 thereof.

The embodiments of FIGS. 3 c and 3 d generally correspond to men's shoesor shoes which do not have a “high heel”, yet have a raised heel portion(for example, boots, heeled flats, etc.). The shapes given in theembodiments of FIGS. 3 c and 3 d are generally square in shape; however,as with all of the embodiments discussed herein, other shapes may beutilized. Additionally, the adhesive at the heel portion 334, 344 ofboth embodiments may be adjusted in size or shape to accommodate thelarger heel of the shoe. This feature may be particularly useful inaccommodating men's shoes.

Referring again to FIG. 3, in one variant, the surface 303 of theapparatus 300 which is in contact with the ground may be further adaptedto provide additional support by at least partially comprising amaterial which provides traction (not shown). For example, the surface303 may be textured, ridged, or may otherwise have a plurality offeatures which extend from the surface 303 and are configured to “grip”the terrain.

Although not illustrated, in yet another embodiment, any of theaforementioned shapes of FIGS. 3-3 d may be made oversized with respectto the body portion thereof in order to create an entire platform onwhich the shoe sits. When combined with the previously discussedtraction or gripping feature (not shown), the platform may serve as a“snow shoe” for any shoe to which the wearer may choose to attach theapparatus 300.

In another embodiment (not shown), the stability apparatus isconstructed from low-cost materials and made disposable (e.g., limitedor even single use). For example, in one implementation, the apparatuscomprises a low-cost clear polyethylene or other plastic element withsingle-use adhesive already applied. The user merely exposes theadhesive, applies to the shoe, and then removes and discards theapparatus after use. The grade of plastic selected is such that it hasvery limited mechanical properties (i.e., is comparatively soft and canonly withstand a limited number of flexural cycles before cracking orotherwise degrading) and accordingly can be manufactured much moreinexpensively than one designed for repeated use.

In yet another embodiment, the bottom (contact) surfaces of theapparatus are fitted with a replaceable transparent contact sheet sothat a scuffed or worn sheet can be removed and replaced withoutreplacing the entire apparatus. For instance, in one variant, a contactadhesive is applied to the surface of the removable layer such that theuser can simply peel off the layer when worn, and replace it with a newone. This layer acts to protect the bottom of the apparatus, which mayotherwise become worn due to walking on hard surfaces such as cement orbricks or asphalt. This is especially useful for embodiments using aclear (transparent) polymer, as such scuffs and marks would tend tocloud the appearance and degrade the transparency if not otherwiseprotected. The adhesive used is also optionally selected to be astransparent as possible, thereby maintaining as much overalltransparency of the stability apparatus as a whole as possible.

Exemplary Use

FIG. 4 illustrates exemplary placement of a stability apparatus 300 on aheeled shoe 400. As shown, the toe adhesive portion 302 of the apparatusis aligned to the toe box portion of the shoe 402. Additionally, theheel adhesive portion 304 is aligned to the tip of the heel of the shoe404.

As noted above, in one embodiment, a paper or other backing may be firstremoved from the adhesive surfaces 302, 304 in order to expose theadhesive to the shoe 400. The apparatus 300 is then affixed to the shoe400 via the adhesive. However, other means for attaching the apparatus300 to the shoe 400 may be used with equal success (as discussedelsewhere herein).

When the apparatus 300 is aligned as discussed, the surface 301 of theapparatus 300 which contains the adhesive is rotated to face the shoe400 and the under surface 303 when properly disposed on the shoe 400will face away from the shoe 400, towards the surface on which thewearer will walk or stand.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 5 a, the placement of an exemplaryapparatus 300 on a heeled shoe 500 is illustrated. FIG. 5 illustratesthe front side view of the apparatus 300 disposed on the shoe 500. Inaddition, FIG. 5 a illustrates a rear side view of the apparatus 300attached to the shoe 500. As shown, the overall appearance of the shoe500 is not affected by the placement of the apparatus 300 thereon. Thatis, the apparatus 300 is minimally visible from most angles which athird party would view the shoe 500.

Additional Alternative Embodiments

FIG. 6 illustrates another exemplary apparatus 600 for providingstability to heeled shoes. As shown, the stability apparatus 600 isgenerally similar in shape and size to the previously discussedapparatus. It is further appreciated that alternative shapes and/orsizes may be utilized with equal success (including those of FIGS. 3 a-3d).

The stability apparatus 600 in the illustrated embodiment generallycomprises a first surface 601 having a first adhesive portion 602disposed thereon. As discussed elsewhere herein, the adhesive portion602 may be comprised of literally any adhesive type, including permanentand non-permanent adhesives or other means for affixing the apparatus600 to the shoe.

Additionally, the first surface 601 comprises an aperture 604 forreceiving the tip of the heel of a shoe. The interior surface of theaperture 604 may also include an adhesive or otherwise be configured toretain the heel portion therein, such as via friction fit, magnets, etc.In addition, the circumference, size, and shape of the aperture 604 mayvary to accommodate a broad range of heel types.

FIG. 6 a illustrates the exemplary apparatus 600 of FIG. 6 disposed on aheeled shoe 650. As shown, the adhesive portion 602 adheres to theunderside of the toe box portion of the shoe 650. The tip of the heel ofthe shoe fits within the aperture 604 of the apparatus 600.

Similar to the embodiments discussed above, the embodiment of FIGS. 6and 6 a advantageously provides stability to the wearer of the shoe 650in that the weight of the wearer is distributed across the surface areaof the apparatus 600. The apparatus may further provide added tractionacross its bottom surface 603.

Referring now to FIG. 7, another exemplary apparatus 700 for providingstability to heeled shoes is illustrated. As shown, the embodiment ofFIG. 7 provides a receptacle 704 for receiving the tip of the heel ofthe shoe. The interior portions of the receptacle 704 may furthercomprise a means for securing the heel, such as adhesives, friction fit,etc.

The apparatus 700 is otherwise generally similar to the embodimentspreviously described herein. That is, the exemplary apparatus 700 ofFIG. 7 further comprises a surface 701 having an adhesive portion 702 inposition to align to the toe box portion of a shoe. FIG. 7 a is a sideview of the exemplary apparatus 700 of FIG. 7 disposed on a heeled shoe750. As shown, the apparatus 700 is slightly more visible to the thirdparty observer in that a portion of the receptacle 704 extends up alength of the heel. However, the side walls of the receptacle 704 mayprovide even further stability to the wearer and are therefore may beviewed as continuing to provide an advantage to the user.

It is further appreciated that the foregoing embodiments may be furtherconfigured to accommodate any heel height. In one example, thereceptacle 704 for receiving the heel portion may be of a heightsuitable to partially or fully contain the heel portion of the shoe. Inaddition, the receptacle 704 may be of varying circumference, size, andshape. Still further, the receptacle 704 may be configured to have anadjustable height, such as via telescoping features. Alternatively, thereceptacle 704 may be adjusted by the user, such as by providing areceptacle 704 of a first high, which the user can cut down to size to aparticular shoe.

FIG. 8 illustrates yet another exemplary apparatus 800 for providingstability to heeled shoes. The embodiment of FIG. 8 provides enhancedstability by converting a high-heeled shoe to a wedge heel. Theapparatus 800 is generally similar to the other embodiments discussedherein. However, the stability apparatus 800 of FIG. 8 includes a wallportion 805. The wall 805 is conic or circular and extends from thefirst surface of the apparatus 801 toward the shoe in a tapered fashion.The profile of the wall 805 is configured to create the illusion of awedged heel when disposed on the shoe 850 as illustrated in FIG. 8 a.The wall portion 805 may be adjustable in height to accommodate wedgesof various sizes and heights as well.

According to this embodiment, the heel of the shoe 850 is receivedwithin the apparatus 800 and secured thereto via an adhesive portion atthe toe box 802 and at the heel 804. Additional adhesives may beutilized along the edges of the wall 805 to further secure the apparatus800 to an underside of the portion of the heeled shoe which correspondsto the arch of the foot. Although the adhesive shapes illustrated aregenerally circular in nature, it is appreciated that the various shapesand sizes discussed herein may be utilized. Additionally, the adhesiveportion at the heel 804 may be replaced with an aperture (as discussedin FIGS. 6 and 6 a) or a receptacle (as discussed in FIGS. 7 and 7 a).

Although the overall appearance of the shoe is, in this embodiment,altered significantly, the apparatus 800 continues to provide support tothe wearer especially in instances of walking or standing on soft oruneven ground. Additionally, it is appreciated that the apparatus 800 ofthis embodiment (or any of the herein-described embodiments) may beopaque and advantageously made available in a variety of colors to“match” or coordinate with the color of the shoe 850, or thesurroundings on which it will be used (e.g., green for walking ongrass).

In another embodiment, the end of the apparatus adapted to attach thetoe portion of the shoe further comprises a retaining mechanism. In oneembodiment, the retaining mechanism may include a flexible featuredesigned to extend above and around the front of the shoe therebyenveloping and grasping the toe portion, i.e., a “lip”. The flexibilityof the feature enables it to conform to shoes with toe portions ofvarious widths and shapes (e.g., pointed toe, square toe, rounded toe,etc.)

In yet another embodiment, the foregoing embodiments of the apparatusmay be extended to accommodate different sizes of shoes. For example,the apparatus may be comprised of a material which is elastic orcompliant in nature such that it may be attached at a first end of theshoe (such as at the toe portion) via e.g., an adhesive or otherretaining mechanism, and stretched to reach and attach to the other endof the shoe (such as the heel portion). The elastic or stretchableapparatus is held in place via the aperture for receiving the heelportion (see e.g., FIG. 6), the receptacle for receiving the heelportion (see e.g., FIG. 7), and/or a retaining mechanism at the toeportion.

Methodology—

The herein-described apparatus may be used by the wearer of a heeledshoe for enhanced stability when wearing heeled shoes on soft or unevensurfaces. Although the following methodology is described with respectto the stability apparatus of FIG. 3 herein, it will be appreciated thatthe method is not so limited, and can be readily adapted to otherembodiments of the apparatus by those of ordinary skill given thepresent disclosure.

As a first step, the user prepares or exposes the adhesive portions ofthe apparatus. For instance, the user may peel off a protective layer ofplastic or waxed paper to reveal the adhesive portions. Alternatively,the user may apply adhesive to the shoe and/or the apparatus, such asvia a tube or other dispenser.

Subsequently, the user aligns the apparatus (and adhesive portion) tothe underside of the shoe in order to affix the apparatus thereto. Theuser then mates the apparatus and the shoe so as to form a unitarystructure.

Once the apparatus is securely affixed to the shoe, the user may walk,stand, and otherwise use the shoe in a normal fashion on all surfacesincluding e.g., soft surfaces (such as grass, sand, snow, etc.) and/oruneven surfaces (such as gravel, cobblestone, etc.).

At a later time, the user may remove the apparatus from the shoe such asby simply peeling the apparatus with enough force to overcome thestrength of the adhesive. The apparatus may be disposed of, oralternatively reused with, the same or different shoes.

It will be recognized that while certain aspects of the disclosure aredescribed in terms of a specific sequence of steps of a method, thesedescriptions are only illustrative of the broader methods, and may bemodified as required by the particular application. Certain steps may berendered unnecessary or optional under certain circumstances.Additionally, certain steps or functionality may be added to thedisclosed embodiments, or the order of performance of two or more stepspermuted. All such variations are considered to be encompassed withinthe disclosure and claims herein.

While the above detailed description has shown, described, and pointedout novel features of the disclosure as applied to various embodiments,it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions, and changesin the form and details of the device or process illustrated may be madeby those skilled in the art. The foregoing description is of the bestmode presently contemplated. This description is in no way meant to belimiting, but rather should be taken as illustrative of the generalprinciples of the disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus configured to provide enhancedstability to a wearer of a heeled shoe, the apparatus comprising: asubstantially planar body element; and at least one attachment featureconfigured to couple to said body element and to removably attach to abottom of said heeled shoe at least at both front and rear portionsthereof.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said apparatus isconfigured to provide said enhanced stability via at least (i) anincrease in a surface area over that of said bottom of said heeled shoe,and (ii) a substantially even distribution of a weight of said weareracross said apparatus.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein saidapparatus is comprised of a substantially at least partly transparentflexible polymer.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said at least oneattachment feature comprises at least one adhesive patch disposed onsaid body element and configured to be removably affixed to said bottomof said shoe.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said apparatusfurther comprises at least one traction-producing surface, saidtraction-producing surface being disposed on a surface of said bodyelement configured to interface with a surface on which said wearer iswalking.
 6. A stability enhancement apparatus configured to be disposedon a bottom surface of a shoe, said apparatus comprising: a plastic bodyportion comprising at least a first surface configured to interface withsaid shoe, and a second surface configured to interface with a surfaceon which a wearer of said shoe walks; at least one first attachmentfeature disposed on said first surface and configured to attach saidplastic body portion to a first portion of said shoe; and at least onesecond attachment feature disposed on said first surface and configuredto attach said plastic body portion to a second portion of said shoe. 7.The apparatus of claim 6, wherein at least one of said first and secondattachment features comprises an adhesive patch.
 8. The apparatus ofclaim 6, wherein said first portion of said shoe comprises a portionthereof configured to house a wearer's toes, and said second portion ofsaid shoe comprises a heel portion thereof.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8,wherein said at least one second attachment feature comprises areceptacle extending upward from said plastic body portion andconfigured to receive at least a portion of said heel portion of saidshoe therein.
 10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said at least onesecond attachment feature comprises an aperture configured to receive atleast a portion of said heel portion of said shoe therein.
 11. Theapparatus of claim 6, further comprising a raised wall featureconfigured to extend upward from a periphery of said plastic bodyportion and interface with at least a portion of a said bottom of saidshoe.
 12. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein at least a portion of saidapparatus is comprised of low-cost materials and is thereby madedisposable.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein said at least portionof said apparatus comprised of said low-cost materials comprising areplaceable sheet configured to be removed and replaced after a certainperiod of wear, said replaceable sheet obviating a need for replacementof an entirety of said apparatus.
 14. An apparatus configured to provideenhanced stability to a wearer of a high-heeled shoe comprising: aplastic body member comprising a shoe interfacing surface and a groundinterfacing surface; at least one first attachment feature disposed onsaid shoe interfacing surface and configured to removably couple a firstportion of said plastic body member to a toe portion of said high-heeledshoe; and at least one second attachment feature disposed on said shoeinterfacing surface and configured to removably couple a second portionof said plastic body member to a heel portion of said high-heeled shoe.15. The apparatus of claim 14, further comprising at least onetraction-producing feature disposed on said ground interfacing surface.16. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein said first and second attachmentfeatures each comprise one or more adhesive regions configured tofacilitate said removable coupling to said toe and heel portions of saidhigh-heeled shoe without substantially affecting a surface of saidhigh-heeled shoe upon removal thereof.
 17. The apparatus of claim 14,wherein said at least one first attachment feature comprises a flexibleretaining lip.
 18. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein said plastic bodyis comprised of a substantially complaint material configured to flex assaid wearer walks.
 19. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein said apparatusis comprised of a substantially elastic material configured toaccommodate to a plurality of sizes of said high-heeled shoes.
 20. Theapparatus of claim 14, wherein said at least one second attachmentfeature comprises at least one of: a receptacle extending upward fromsaid plastic body portion and configured to receive at least a portionof said heel portion of said high-heeled shoe therein; and/or anaperture configured to receive at least a portion of heel portion ofsaid high-heeled shoe therein.
 21. A method of configuring a heeled shoefor use on a compliant surface, the method comprising: affixing aflexible component to the heeled shoe such that a majority of a bottomcontact portion of a sole of the shoe, including a heel contact surface,is covered by the flexible component, the component mitigating atendency of the heel contact surface to penetrate the compliant surfaceon which a wearer of the shoe walks.
 22. The method of claim 21, whereinthe compliant surface comprises natural grass, and the act of mitigatingcomprises increasing the effective surface area of at least the heelcontact portion.
 23. The method of claim 22, wherein the affixingcomprises removably affixing such that the shoe is in no way renderedunusable when the flexible component is removed.